THE BLACK PERIL

by W. E. Johns

XV. BIGGLES EXPLAINS (Pages 200 – 205)

Biggles is bought before the Swedish Chief of Police. In the same room is Ginger and a man in a bowler hat. His name is Hesterley, the personal assistant to Sir Harding Boyce, His Majesty’s Consul at Stockholm. “Is this Stockholm?” Biggles asks, only to be told it is Christianbad. Hesterley says he has spoken with Ginger and the Chief and the officer is prepared to accept a mistake has been made. Biggles is taken to a side room to speak with Hesterley in private and “briefly, sticking only to the main facts, yet omitting nothing of importance, Biggles recounted the events which had resulted in their present predicament”. Hesterley says he has confirmed Biggles record with the Air Ministry. “Remember, I have already heard part of the story from that small boy of yours”. The Customs authorities have been to fetch their aircraft and in the early hours a car will take Biggles and his friends to it, where it will be refuelled and they can then fly on a direct course back to England. Biggles is told to head for the Thames and to land at Hendon. Hesterley says he has seen the documents Ginger had and he will do all he can to ensure the safety of Biggles’ party. In the meantime, they will be returned to their cell.